Giants are loaded with homegrown talent

Giants' homegrown depth is rare

Published 4:00 am, Sunday, March 18, 2012

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As the Barry Bonds era drew to a grim and unsatisfying conclusion, the Giants set course on a 180-degree turn. Five years later, behold the transformation: They're the coolest little neighborhood in the game.

Most teams can only dream of a roster built around players who were drafted or originally signed by the organization, but the Giants have pulled it off. Two or three years down the road, they could conceivably field a team built strictly around homegrown talent and draw notice as a World Series contender.

It's remarkable, when you think about it. As the Giants clung to the remnants of Bonds' career, they were willing to give up choice draft picks as compensation for free-agent signings. They were looking for well-traveled veterans to play alongside Bonds, and they grew dependent upon the likes of Ryan Klesko, Ray Durham, Dave Roberts and Randy Winn.

It was a game plan that led straight to nowhere, but a new strategy was in place. Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Brian Wilson made some early impressions on that '07 team. The farm system was undergoing a rebirth. In terms of familiarity, player protection (from other organizations) and salary structure, nothing rewards an organization more than homegrown talent, and the Giants were quietly crafting a dramatic philosophical shift.

Does it signal a guarantee for success? Hardly. The Giants wouldn't have won the 2010 world championship without Freddy Sanchez, Aubrey Huff, Juan Uribe and Javier Lopez, to name a few. They won't reach their potential this year unless Melky Cabrera and Angel Pagan make a significant difference in the lineup. The Giants also rank among the game's 10 highest payrolls at around $130 million, thanks in part to the lingering debt owed Barry Zito and Aaron Rowand.

Here's what it means, more than anything: A fan's greatest pleasure is to know his team's roster, follow it from year to year, get intimately acquainted with "our guys." In San Francisco, people know who their guys are - and will be, in many cases, for years to come.

It goes without saying that such powerhouses as the Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers, Phillies and Angels have used their nearly unlimited funds to attract stars from other organizations. The Kansas City Royals have developed some of the best young talent in the game, but most of it remains unproven at the big-league level. Arizona has Justin Upton, Paul Goldschmidt, Stephen Drew and some interesting young talent, but the foundation of this year's team was built elsewhere, and for the moment, the only system-developed pitchers of note are Josh Collmenter and hotshot prospect Trevor Bauer.

The team most comparable to the Giants in this category is Tampa Bay, where the team's formidable rotation - including both candidates for No. 5 starter - consists entirely of draft picks. Payroll issues have forced the Rays to scramble in other areas, but they do boast Evan Longoria, Desmond Jennings and B.J. Upton, all of whom figure to be around for years.

(Oakland? Don't even ask. That's where prospects come equipped with a handsome set of luggage.)

"There's no question that every club targets a depth chart that gives you homegrown options at every position," said Bobby Evans, the Giants' vice president of baseball operations. "Since Barry (Bonds) moved on, we immediately focused on this more traditional target - to develop from within, and to keep the system replenished and strong. It's not a foregone conclusion how this will play out. But what we've seen on the pitching staff has been formidable, and we're starting to see it among the position players.

"It's just a very satisfying way to go," said Evans. "When I was a kid, living outside of Boston (until he was 9 years old), I'd always count the number of players who came through the Red Sox's system, guys like Evans, Fisk, Yaz, Boggs. It's something the fans really appreciate, and it's very gratifying for scouts who spend lifetimes away from their family looking for that next great player."

Jump ahead two or three years and consider the Giants' homegrown potential:

First base: If Buster Posey has to move there, it's a gold mine. This is also Brandon Belt's natural position. Pablo Sandoval could play there if necessary, and the team hasn't given up on the troubled Angel Villalona.

Second base:Joe Panik has been a fast-tracked talent since he was drafted out of college in June, and looks to be Sanchez's heir apparent (Panik is ticketed to begin the season at Class-A San Jose). Charlie Culberson, 23, has more of a track record and is considered to be well ahead of Nick Noonan on the organizational depth chart. The Giants still like Emmanuel Burriss, but he's out of options and may find his resting place elsewhere.

Shortstop: Brandon Crawford has the job indefinitely and looks to have improved his stroke. Ehire Adrianza, while still challenged by top-flight pitching, is on the 40-man roster and, "His resume defensively is as strong as anybody's," Evans said.

Third base: Sandoval is a lock, backed by a couple of longshots. Conor Gillaspie, the 37th overall pick in the 2008 draft, is making an impression this spring after a slow start. Chris Dominguez is still a bit raw, but has a strong arm and exceptional power.

Catcher: With so much talent on the rise - "best I've ever seen in one camp," said manager Bruce Bochy - the Giants might prefer that Posey move to first base in the future. Assuming the Giants open the season with a veteran catcher in reserve, it will be well worth following Hector Sanchez (Triple-A Fresno), Tommy Joseph (Double-A Richmond) and Andrew Susac (San Jose).

Outfield:Nate Schierholtz is on intimate terms with right field at AT&T Park, and he now owns the position. Everyone figures that former No. 1 draft pick Gary Brown will be the center fielder at some point. Belt could play left if Posey moves to first. Tyler Graham is a lightning-fast singles hitter, and Francisco Peguero is a five-tool player coming off knee surgery in the offseason. "The ability is there with Peguero," said Evans. "There's no limit on this guy."

Rotation: Assuming that management takes care of the financial end - count on it - no team can match the accomplishments of Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner among homegrown starters, and Ryan Vogelsong (who originally signed with the Giants, back in 1998) is coming off an exceptional year. Until further notice, Eric Surkamp is the best of the minor-league starters.

Bullpen: Brian Wilson ranks with the best closers when he's on - which is often, granted good health. Flame-throwing Heath Hembree looks to be his successor, and setup ace Sergio Romo has the type of live arm that projects well into the future. Clay Hensley, a 2002 draftee who has returned to the organization, and Dan Runzler fit into this category on the current 40-man roster.

Homegrown Giants

The Giants are probably the deepest club in major-league baseball when it comes to mapping out its future with homegrown talent: players who were drafted by or signed their first pro contract with the team. A rundown, by position:

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